From the heart of a Hawthorn supporter

Being born in 1987, I had to rely on stories from my grandparents and Aunty about those electrifying 80s and our dominance. I have watched the 1989 GF many times, it was on VHS and Granny and Pa's and I always would find an excuse to watch it.

My first real experience of any success as a Hawks fan was in 1996 when we made the finals. I distinctly remember where I was watching that Qualifying final against Sydney at the SCG, and the heartbreak of losing that game by 6 points.

My next memory in finals was the 2001 finals series, I was a little older and could understand what was happening, firstly a elimination final win over Sydney (revenge, REVENGE!!!!), then scraping home against Port (one of my all time fav Hawks games) where we kicked 5 goals to 2 in the final quarter at Football Park. I remember Jonny Barker kicking a goal from the infamous 'dead' pocket, little left to right drifter late in the game and we were bound for a Prelim Final against rampaging favourites and defending champs, Essendon.

I don't want to reminisce on the bad games, but the Croadie miss half way up the post when we were coming home with a wet sail, and ultimately losing by 9 points. 86,000 people at the G. Amazing, I remember watching it in a bar with Pa and my cousin Ash (who is a dirty Dons fan) We were at a function where my mum and uncle were catering for a footy clubs B&F awards, and we were able to watch the game in the bar with a lemon squash (since I was 14 years old!) Devastated and heart broken, but still proud as punch.

I grew up a Hawks fan. It was in my blood. My mums mother and father are (were) Hawks fans. Pa was my hero growing up, so of course I was going to support them. My Aunty (mums sister) is also a mad Hawk fan, and we spent a lot of time with them as a young tacker, so it was destiny.

I still remember for some reason, there was a footy fixture in the kitchen cupboard in the house we were living at in Traralgon, I would have been 4 years old, and looking at all of the team names, I mean there was 15 teams to choose from, and I went with Hawthorn.

Granny and Pa had the posters from the 1989 and 1991 Grand Final winning teams in the toilet at their house, it had the scores, players names pics and the team song on it.

Subliminal messaging at its finest while I was in the loo (for some reason it didn't work on my brother or sister) but it made a huge impression on me.

As Hawks fans, winning is now expected. If you were around in the 1950s and can remember how shit we were up until the mid 50's, the glory days from the 80s you would not take that for granted.

We have had some of the greatest players ever pull on the brown and gold jumper. Matthews. Dunstall. Hudson. Franklin. Hodge. Even Gaz Snr started as a Hawk. Some of the greatest characters in the history of the game like Dermie and Dipper. Three of the greatest coaches in the history of the game. Kennedy Snr, Jeans and now Clarkson.

The wizardry of Cyril. The aerial prowess of Knights. The determination of Crimmins & the longevity of Tuck.

I am so proud to be a Hawks fan, as we all should be. This is a fantastic club, both on and off the field. We have pride, passion and determination.

Go the Mighty Hawks.